Lesson for May 3, 2015

Lesson for May 3, 2015 Today our lesson was given by Amy Young about Charity Never Faileth. It is the pure love of Christ, the highest form of love. As Amy was listening to the Relief Society Women’s Conference, she heard President Eyring say those words. She wondered what it would mean if Charity Sometimes or Often Faileth. She had us turn to Moroni 7: 45 about charity suffereth long. One sister said it seems to be saying, Get over yourself. President Monson gave a talk about charity in 2010. It says, “Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time.” It is also to accept the service of others as much as they can and in the way they can. Sister Bahr said we need to remember that as we work on charity and our weaknesses, the other side is that if we fall short of perfection, we must realize we are not perfect and it is still worth it to try. We never should give up. Amy said the bishop said it doesn’t matter where we are, but what direction we’re going. Emily Campbell said it is important to not keep score and let go of all the pettiness of keeping track of what they do. It is important to not stop loving those who let us down and let them know we love them and won’t give up on them. In applying this principle to ourselves, we need to realize that we can improve. President Monson gave several examples of charitable acts, some that were little and some took years, such as inviting someone to sit with you or persisting in visiting teaching. Amy said that sometimes we don’t even realize the good we’ve done and how it affects others. A quote from Elder L. Tom Perry said that he often thinks of what the Savior would do. He said when he was sent to Japan after WWII, he was able to help reconstruct several Christian churches so they could meet again. As the soldiers left Nagasaki, the other marines teased them for just working, instead of playing, and yet a group of 200 people then came to the train to sing “Onward Christian Soldiers” to them and wave good-bye. He knows that the only way we will have joy in this life is by serving others and keeping the commandments. Elder Quentin L. Cook said to compare President Monson’s experience to the soldiers who engaged in foolish or even wicked things while in Japan. We need to give ourselves a rest sometimes, but we do need to soldier on. President Eyring, in this latest conference said that when we feel the Spirit we can recognize that we have sisters who love us and who need our help. We can serve best by knowing how the Lord answers prayers and that is often through us. Jesus Christ relieves all burdens and heals all wounds and truly understands what we are going through. What humbles us is that Heavenly Father loves the sinners as much as he loves us. He feels joy when we bear one another’s burdens. Amy sees so many acts of kindness and it touches her, so she can only imagine how much it pleases our Heavenly Father when we do those things. President Monson said, “There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, and those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere.” It should not be hard to find people who need help, since statistics show that 50% of people are in crisis. What a huge impact it makes in the lives of people to give and receive service. Those visiting teachers who have visited people every month and become close to them are the ones who can help. Sara Campbell read the verses in Alma about if we want our prayers answered, we need to be the answer to the prayers of others as we exercise charity.